The buildup for the shogi storyline has some funny humor in it. I'm glad they adapted that from the manga. We're getting back to Rei's side of the story and I love the way they're going about this so far.

Rei honestly needs all the luck he can get especially for his commemorative match. I think the poster is fine actually. (some of the characters made a big deal about it in this episode)

Nice to see some Souya this episode. The way his character is presented just gives a different feeling compared to others; his presence, personality, talent, etc.

Now that the bully arc has come to a end it's time to get back to shogi and the commemorative match. This episode we see that chairman Jinguuji is focus trying to attract people to the commemorative match between Rei and Souya. He even goes as far as to hire someone to do a fancy poster. This was also the part where most of the comedy was at as Yanagihara and Shimada are upset that they didn't get the same treatment when it came to their match. We also get to see said match and oh boy both players were having a bad day. We also get to see Rei talk to Mr. Hayashida about Hina and that she is alright now.

The second part has Rei and Souya heading to Morioka where a reception is being held for them. During this time Rei is nervous for his match that when he is asked questions he couldn't answer them right away. However Souya has no problems but a big scene happens when he bumps into a waitress and red whine spills on his suit causing the whole room to go quiet. Mr. Jinguuji acts fast and drags him away so that his suit wouldn't stain. The next day Souya shows up to the match in traditional Japanese clothes.

Rei may have serious match with Souya but it's good to see that this episode had more comedy. The best part had to be Yanagihara and Shimada being upset over not getting the same treatment as they complain about their poster. It was also funny seeing Rei not use to being in fancy hotel room and not wanting to bathe with other people. When it came to the interviews Rei now knows what Shimada goes through that causes his stomach pain due to being nervous. Next episode we have the match and we can expect a good one.

The real battle for introverts is not the match itself, but the events leading to it

I find the banter funny, so the old men's matches has at least that as entertainment. Being courteous is respected, but boring. Trash talk, if both sides can give and take it, is the best.

And we finally have the Demon God descend to the board we've been waiting for. Great job Shaft at making his appearance other-worldly.
If it was sci-fi, I'd say Souya is Rei's future self. Let's hope Rei takes at least one home!

It's hard to give this show the credit it deserves because it's just been around for long enough that it just feels like a fixture at this point. It's here, week in and week out, and is just so consistently great that you almost forget it's even there. When it's done, though, it's going to leave a giant hole in my Saturdays.

That said, I really did not like the end card this week. lol Not only ugly but also not anywhere near the style or feeling of the show.

All I can say ... excellent adaptation that giant poster was funny, much better than the manga ... i cracked up there

but i remembered I really don't like seiyuu Ishida as Souya though, its nothing to do with the seiyuu ability , I just don't think his voice matches the character, . Even though Souya has the same age as Shimada, he has a much younger impression.

It's nice to see more of what Souya is like. Some of his responses to the questions sounded so scripted and robotic and his lack of reaction to the wine spilling on his clothes was bizarre. I really want to know more about how he thinks.

Even though Rei winning this is close to impossible, this is going to be an interesting match.